Has Scots Nessie a relative in China?

Is it an animal new to science? An prehistoric creature that emerges in the modern time? Chinese state media reports, eagerly passed on by local tourism authorities, say the Chinese "Loch Ness monster" appeared twice recently in Tianchi Lake, in north-eastern Jilin province. A Chinese paper has quoted local tourism official Meng Fanying as saying that in the latest sighting, the creature appeared just 10 metres from the bank, jumping out of the water from time to time "like a seal" (referred from the ABC News Online, 31 July 2002).

Rumours that the 373-metre deep lake harbours some sort of monster have been circulating for more than a century, the paper said. However, scientists dismiss the reports, saying volcanic eruptions happening as recently as 300 years ago would make life extremely hazardous for any animal making the lake its home.

Is it just a trick to boost the tourist industry or could it really be a monster there? Some are already convinced. Local monster fans are unfazed by the scepticism and have even started the Tianchi Monster Society, the paper reported. The Tianchi monster is not the only "Nessie" said to be living in China. The marine life of Hanas Lake, in north-western Xinjiang region, reputedly includes a 10-metre long salmon species that attacks both people and cattle. Would we ever see evidence of these creatures?

Stein Morten Lund, 8 August 2002

Additional information

Read more about monsters in the water on our website: - Nessie in Scotland - Found of Nessie look alike fossil in Australia - Small serpent monster in a Norwegian lake - "Seljordormen"